Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

The past year was one of struggle and experimentation in consumer goods companies' use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), with lingering standards, product immaturity, cost and return on investment issues clouding the ability to reach Wal-Mart's January 2005 mandate.

Heineken is taking its promotions to a more responsible level by including a message on all Heineken brand bottles and cans worldwide that invites consumers to visit a newly developed responsible consumption Web site.

In an effort to get closer to its customers, optimize its supply chain and become a low-cost supplier, Diageo North America tapped into a collaborative planning, forecasting and replenishment (CPFR) program with its distributors.

In 1869 Dr. Thomas Bramwell Welch inadvertently gave birth to Welch Foods Inc. while discovering the method to make communion wine from unfermented grapes.

It was a sunny, autumn day, perfect driving weather to soak up the picturesque country scenery of Concord, Massachusetts, the locale of this months cover story with Welchs.

The Customer Management Award is presented to a consumer goods firm for the successful execution of a sales and/or marketing effort throughout its entire customer base to achieve superior results.

According to AMR Research, trade funds investments can account for 15 percent of a consumer goods (CG) company's revenue, and the total spent on advertising, marketing and promotions by CG companies is an estimated $250 billion annually.

In an effort to assure customer satisfaction and ensure that its multiple brands remain competitive, H.J. Heinz created a customer relationship model called First Call.